Y Combinator, established in 2005, is a prominent American technology startup accelerator and venture capital firm. It provides funding and mentorship to early-stage companies, primarily in the United States. The firm's core program involves investing a small amount of capital in exchange for equity, typically around 6-7%, and providing intensive support to startups over a three-month period. This includes refining business models, developing products, and honing investor pitches. Y Combinator serves a wide range of industries, with a focus on technology, healthcare, and finance. Additionally, Y Combinator Continuity, a dedicated investment fund, supports founders as they scale their companies, investing in later-stage alumni companies and helping cash-intensive businesses.

SOSV, established in 1995 and headquartered in Princeton, New Jersey, is a global venture capital firm specializing in early-stage investments. It focuses on deep tech innovations in the health and environmental sectors, supporting founders with breakthrough technologies through its HAX and IndieBio startup development programs. SOSV provides resources, facilities, and lab equipment to accelerate product development and scale, with a track record of helping its portfolio companies secure subsequent funding rounds led by top-tier investors.

HAX is a venture capital program focused on accelerating hardware startups through its comprehensive support and resources. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Newark, New Jersey, HAX operates in two key locations, San Francisco and Shenzhen, providing founders with an environment conducive to rapid prototyping and iterative development. The program emphasizes the importance of launching both B2C and B2B hardware startups, guiding them through critical phases such as business development, fundraising, and market entry. HAX accepts teams that demonstrate strong potential for scaling their ventures and solving significant technological challenges. Through a structured curriculum, entrepreneurs refine their product-market fit and business strategies while benefiting from a robust network of mentors and industry connections. HAX maintains an ongoing relationship with participating startups to support their growth beyond the initial program, ensuring they have the necessary resources and partnerships to succeed in the competitive marketplace.

Techstars is a global platform that invests in and supports early-stage technology companies. Founded in 2006, it operates a mentorship-driven accelerator program, providing seed funding, intensive mentorship, and access to a network of investors and entrepreneurs. Techstars has programs in various locations worldwide, including Boston, Boulder, New York, Seattle, London, Chicago, and Austin. It invests $118,000 in each company, with $18,000 in seed funding and an optional $100,000 convertible debt note. Techstars also has industry-specific accelerator programs, such as Techstars Retail and Techstars Music, focusing on retail and music technology, respectively. Its portfolio includes over 1,000 companies with a combined market cap of $8.1 billion.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency established in 1950 and based in Alexandria, Virginia. It is dedicated to supporting research and education in science and engineering across a wide range of disciplines. The NSF provides significant non-dilutive funding, up to $1.5 million, to startups and small businesses through its America's Seed Fund initiative, which is part of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program mandated by Congress. With an operating budget of approximately $7.8 billion, the NSF is committed to advancing fundamental research and education, thus fostering innovation and technological development in the United States.

Khosla Impact, established in 2013, is an impact investment firm based in Menlo Park, California. It focuses on assisting high-impact entrepreneurs who develop products and services for the three billion people at the bottom of the world's economic pyramid. The firm invests in for-profit enterprises serving low-income individuals and small businesses in emerging markets, with a primary focus on South Asia. Khosla Impact encourages experimentation and supports entrepreneurs passionate about solving socio-economic challenges through technology and innovative business models.

Established in 2020, the European Innovation Council supports innovative startups and researchers with promising ideas, focusing on early-stage companies with positive environmental, social, or governance impacts. It co-invests alongside private investors.

Lenovo Capital and Incubator Group is a global investment entity that focuses on core technology and internet-related sectors, including cloud computing, big data, artificial intelligence, and robotics. Based in Quarry Bay, Hong Kong, the group manages venture capital funds, such as the Lenovo Smart Internet Innovation RMB Fund, which specifically targets the Internet innovation industry in China. The group's strategy emphasizes leveraging Lenovo's extensive global resources to promote research and development, facilitating new business avenues, and fostering innovation. Through targeted investments and incubation efforts, Lenovo Capital and Incubator Group seeks to align with Lenovo's strategic objectives and drive future advancements in technology.

Shenzhen Capital Group Co., Ltd (SCGC) is a venture capital firm founded in 1999 by the Shenzhen Government. The company is dedicated to fostering national industries, developing national brands, and promoting economic transformation through investments in emerging sectors. SCGC primarily targets small to medium enterprises and innovative high-tech companies, focusing on those in various stages of growth, including startups and those undergoing transformation. Its investment portfolio spans industries that align with national policy support, such as information technology, internet services, new media, biopharmaceuticals, new energy, environmental protection, chemical engineering, and high-end equipment manufacturing. With a registered capital of 5.42 billion RMB and significant assets under management, SCGC has established itself as a leader in the venture capital landscape, having invested in numerous companies, many of which have achieved public listings across global capital markets.

Alumni Ventures Group is a venture capital firm based in Manchester, New Hampshire, with offices across North America. It provides access to venture investing for individual accredited investors, particularly alumni networks, by offering diversified portfolios of venture opportunities and allowing members to invest alongside fellow alumni in ventures led by peers. The firm backs early-stage and later-stage opportunities across technology, consumer, healthcare, financial services, and other sectors, with a sector- and geography-agnostic approach. It typically invests between $10,000 and $3 million per deal and emphasizes the involvement of alumni connections and an institutional lead investor in opportunities. Alumni Ventures also offers focused funds to broaden participation, enabling accredited investors to access venture portfolios diversified by type, sector, stage, and geography. The model aims to democratize access to venture capital while maintaining rigorous selection standards through alumni networks.

Lux Capital, established in 2000, is a New York-based venture capital firm managing over $4 billion in assets. It invests in early-stage and growth companies at the intersection of technology and sciences, focusing on sectors such as biochemistry, material science, electronics, infrastructure, and aerospace. Lux actively supports entrepreneurs, having helped build over 20 companies from scratch, and employs a strategy that enhances portfolio companies' connectivity, insights, and industry leadership.

Cowin Capital, established in 2000, is a Shenzhen-based private equity firm specializing in early-stage investments. With 18 years of experience, it focuses on supporting the growth of small and medium enterprises, primarily in the energy, communication, electronics, and environmental protection sectors. Cowin Capital takes a long-term approach, aiming to create value through strategic partnerships and operational support. It has successfully invested in over 300 companies, with 60 becoming publicly listed and 150 achieving successful exits. Notably, Cowin Capital was one of the first venture capital institutions to be listed on the New Third Board (NEEQ) in China.

EASME is a European Union executive agency that supports small and medium-sized enterprises and promotes innovation in Europe. It manages projects in the areas of small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as the environment, energy, and maritime sectors, funded by COSME, LIFE, and EMFF. EASME organizes the European Sustainable Energy Week and serves industries such as environmental management, energy production, and maritime activities.

Venture Kick is a private philanthropic initiative based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2007 to support Swiss startups at the pre-seed stage. It provides up to 150,000 Swiss francs in funding and offers structured entrepreneurial training aimed at developing sustainable businesses. Entrepreneurs participate in a competitive process, pitching their ideas up to three times for increasing funding amounts, while receiving valuable feedback from expert juries. To date, Venture Kick has supported 600 startup projects with a total of 24.9 million francs, leading to the incorporation of 454 active companies that have created over 6,000 jobs and attracted approximately 2.49 billion francs in subsequent investments. Companies founded by Venture Kick alumni have notably achieved significant recognition, with 55 percent of the TOP 100 Swiss Startup Award in 2018 represented by these ventures. In 2019, the initiative aimed to allocate 4.35 million francs to support idea-stage projects, facilitating the transition of Swiss scientific innovations to global markets.

Y&R Capital, established in May 2015, is a venture capital firm based in Beijing, China, focused on high-tech incubation and service management. It was jointly founded by Zhejiang Ganzhan Investment Management Co., Ltd. and Beijing Bochuang Xingsheng Technology Co., Ltd. The firm emphasizes investment in strategic emerging industries, particularly in the fields of medical health, artificial intelligence, robotics, and intelligent manufacturing. Y&R Capital aims to identify and support innovative companies that exhibit growth potential in these sectors, aligning its investment strategy with the evolving technological landscape.

Antler, established in 2017 and headquartered in Singapore, is an early-stage venture capital firm focused on investing in technology companies. It supports exceptional founders from day one, providing access to a global network of co-founders, talent, advisors, and expansion support, along with capital. Antler's funds, including Antler UK Fund and Antler India Fund, target various sectors such as information technology, climate tech, healthtech, software, energy services, and SaaS, with investments ranging from USD 0.2 to 0.4 million.

The U.S. Department of Energy is a government agency established in 1977, located in Washington, D.C. Its primary mission is to ensure the security and prosperity of the nation by tackling energy, environmental, and nuclear challenges. The Department focuses on promoting transformative scientific and technological solutions to address these issues, thereby supporting the country's energy needs and environmental sustainability.

Plug and Play Tech Center, established in 2006, is a global innovation platform that connects startups, investors, and corporations. Based in Sunnyvale, California, with operations in 22 locations worldwide, the company runs 12 industry-specific accelerator programs twice a year, fostering collaboration between major corporations and high-quality startups. These programs span sectors such as Fintech, Insurtech, IoT, Brand & Retail, Mobility, and Health & Wellness, among others. Plug and Play invests in seed, angel, and Series A rounds, with a focus on great teams leading emerging growth companies. Since inception, their startup community has raised over $9 billion in venture funding, with notable success stories including Dropbox, PayPal, and LendingClub.

MassChallenge is a global nonprofit startup accelerator headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, established in 2009. It supports early-stage entrepreneurs across various industries, including technology, healthcare, and social impact, by providing mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities. With locations in Israel, Mexico, Switzerland, Texas, and the UK, MassChallenge connects high-potential startups with industry experts and investors to foster innovation and facilitate growth. The accelerator operates on a non-equity model, allowing entrepreneurs to maintain full ownership of their companies while benefiting from strategic partnerships and tailored training programs. Through its diverse initiatives, such as targeted accelerator programs like MassChallenge HealthTech and FinTech, the organization aims to drive impactful change and enhance the global innovation ecosystem.

FuturePlay is an accelerator and early-stage investor based in Seoul, South Korea, specializing in deep tech startups. Established in 2014, the firm has invested in 55 companies, primarily in South Korea, with a significant portion also based in the United States. FuturePlay is expanding its focus to Southeast Asia, targeting markets such as Singapore, Vietnam, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. The firm operates two main acceleration programs: TechUP, an annual company-building initiative for deep tech engineers, and TechUP+, a co-acceleration program developed in partnership with major enterprises tailored to specific industries like beauty and energy. FuturePlay is backed by global corporations, including CISCO and LG, and has invested across various sectors, including robotics, healthcare, artificial intelligence, and fintech.

The EIC Accelerator is a Horizon Europe funding program that provides assistance to start-ups and SMEs that have an innovative, game-changing product, service, or business model that has the potential to create new markets or disrupt existing ones, and have the ambition and commitment to scale up, are seeking substantial funding, but the risks involved are too high for private investors to invest alone

HSG, formerly known as Sequoia Capital China, is a global venture capital and private equity firm, managing over USD 55 billion across various funds. Established in 2005, HSG invests in technology, healthcare, and consumer sectors, with a focus on seed, venture, growth, buyout, and infrastructure stages. The firm has backed over 1,500 companies, with more than 160 listed on public exchanges and over 140 achieving unicorn status. HSG operates globally, with offices in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, London, Tokyo, and Singapore, providing extensive resources and industry expertise to its portfolio companies.

Shunwei Capital, established in 2011 and headquartered in Beijing, is a venture capital firm primarily focused on investing in early-stage Chinese internet companies. It manages multiple funds, including Shunwei RMB Fund II, Shunwei China Internet Opportunity Fund III, and Shunwei China Internet Fund IV, totaling seven funds since inception. The firm's investment portfolio spans across various sectors such as technology, internet of things, mobile internet, intelligent hardware, and rural internet, with a total of 351 investments made to date. Shunwei Capital has successfully exited from 29 investments, demonstrating its track record in the dynamic Chinese internet sector.

Qiming Venture Partners, established in 2006, is a leading China-based venture capital firm with offices in Shanghai, Beijing, Suzhou, Hong Kong, and Singapore. It manages multiple funds totaling $9.5 billion, focusing on early and growth-stage investments in the Technology and Consumer (T&C) and Healthcare industries. With a strong track record, over 200 portfolio companies have achieved exits, and over 70 have become unicorns or super unicorns. Qiming Venture Partners USA, founded in 2017, is its affiliate in Cambridge, Massachusetts, specializing in healthcare, therapeutics, and digital health investments. The firm is known for its deep technical expertise, hands-on operational support, and thought leadership in the venture capital industry.

Toyota Ventures is a San Francisco Bay Area-based venture capital firm founded in 2017. It invests globally in early-stage startups focusing on disruptive technologies and business models, with a mission to drive innovation for Toyota. The firm manages over $500 million across funds like the Frontier Fund (AI, cloud computing, autonomy, mobility, robotics, smart cities, digital health, fintech, materials, energy) and the Climate Fund (innovative carbon neutrality solutions).

Innovate UK is a non-departmental public body established in 2007 and based in Swindon, United Kingdom. Funded by a government grant, it supports innovation in science and technology by providing funding services to businesses across various sectors and regions. The organization aims to drive productivity and economic growth by facilitating advancements that contribute to the UK’s economic landscape. In addition to funding, Innovate UK offers a range of services and information related to business and economic development, thereby fostering a supportive environment for innovation.

Baidu Ventures, established in 2017, is an independent venture capital fund backed by Baidu and other prominent investors. With approximately $500 million under management across three funds and offices in Beijing and San Francisco, the firm invests in early-stage companies driving innovation in artificial intelligence, autonomous driving, life sciences, robotics, big data, and related technologies. Its mission is to support entrepreneurs transforming how we work, live, and interact through cutting-edge technologies.

Yunqi Partners is a venture capital firm based in Shanghai, China, founded in 2014. The firm focuses on investing in early-stage and middle-stage companies that leverage technology to drive digital transformation across various industries. Its investment portfolio spans several sectors, including mobile internet, smart devices, fintech, cloud computing, big data, advanced manufacturing, IoT, SaaS, and B2B services. By supporting innovative companies in these areas, Yunqi Partners aims to facilitate the industrialisation of technologies and contribute to the evolution of technology-driven industries.

Sequoia Capital, established in 1972, is a prominent venture capital firm headquartered in Menlo Park, California. The company focuses on investing in early to growth-stage companies across various sectors, including information technology, healthcare, financial services, and energy. Sequoia Capital provides capital and strategic support to a select group of daring founders, helping them build legendary companies and push technological boundaries. The firm typically invests between $100,000 and $100 million, with a preference for being the first investor in profitable, fast-growing companies with proven teams and products. Sequoia Capital also manages funds focused on specific regions and sectors, such as India and the technology sector.

Bpifrance is a financial institution dedicated to supporting companies throughout their development stages, particularly those preparing for stock market listing and seeking credit equity. The organization provides a range of financial solutions, including financing, innovation assistance, and capital investment. By integrating various entities such as OSEO and CDC Entreprises, Bpifrance aims to deliver tailored financial support that addresses the specific needs of businesses. The institution is committed to fostering innovation and helping companies transition toward sustainable growth, ensuring they are well-equipped to face future challenges.

Matrix Partners, established in 1977, is a prominent venture capital firm headquartered in San Francisco, California. The firm focuses on early-stage and early-growth investments, partnering with entrepreneurs to build significant, industry-leading companies. With a global perspective and local expertise, Matrix combines the insights of former entrepreneurs and experienced investors to guide its portfolio companies. The firm has a proven track record, having invested in over 500 companies, with 50 going public and 75 achieving profitable M&A exits. Notable investments include Baidu, Apple, and Oculus. Matrix invests across various sectors, including applied AI, B2B SaaS, digital health, and sustainable-defined hardware.

SoftBank Group is a multinational telecommunications and internet corporation based in Japan. It operates through four segments: mobile communications, Sprint, fixed-line telecommunications, and internet. The company provides a wide range of services, including mobile and fixed-line voice and data transmission services, broadband services, internet advertising, e-commerce, and digital television. SoftBank Group also invests in various technologies through its venture capital arms, such as SoftBank Investment Advisers and SoftBank Vision Fund, focusing on areas like artificial intelligence, robotics, and the Internet of Things. One of its notable subsidiaries, SoftBank Robotics, designs and manufactures humanoid robots for various applications, including education, healthcare, and business.

Drone Fund is a venture capital firm based in Tokyo, Japan, established in 2017. The firm focuses on investing in the drone and technology sectors, providing support in areas such as intellectual property strategy, innovative planning, and drone policy. By offering capital investment and financing, Drone Fund aims to foster a collaborative Drone Ecosystem that benefits both limited partners and startups.

High-Tech Gründerfonds Management GmbH is a venture capital firm based in Bonn, Germany, specializing in early-stage investments in high-tech startups. Established in 2005, the firm focuses on technology-driven companies across various sectors, including information and communication technology, life sciences, healthcare, automation, and cleantech. HTGF typically invests in companies that have been operational for no more than one year, aiming to contribute up to €0.6 million in initial funding and up to €3 million in follow-on financing. The firm seeks a minority stake, generally around 15%, and provides a subordinated loan convertible into equity, with deferred interest for up to four years to support liquidity. With a total investment volume of approximately €895.5 million across three funds, HTGF has successfully supported over 500 startups and attracted more than €2 billion in follow-on investments from external sources. The firm's investors include notable public and private entities, underscoring its role as a key player in fostering innovation and growth within the German startup ecosystem.

Innoangel Fund is a venture capital firm based in Beijing, China, founded in 2013. The firm focuses on investing in early-stage companies, specifically targeting seed to pre-Series A funding rounds. Innoangel Fund specializes in sectors such as artificial intelligence, robotics, consumer products, entertainment, information technology, healthcare, and financial technology. By concentrating on these industries, the firm aims to support innovative startups that have the potential for significant growth and impact.

Linear Capital is a venture capital firm established in 2014 and located in Shanghai, China. It specializes in investments within the realms of data applications, data infrastructure, and advanced technological innovations. The firm aims to act as a significant promoter of cutting-edge technologies, facilitating their integration into various industries. Founded by former executives from Lynx and early employees of Facebook, Linear Capital has invested in over 30 start-up teams, including notable projects such as Horizon Robotics and Rokid. The firm collaborates with a diverse group of limited partners, which includes top hedge funds and executives from prominent companies like Alibaba, Tencent, and Baidu. Linear Capital leverages its industry expertise and resources to support portfolio companies in accelerating their development and achieving sustainable growth.

Global Brain Corporation, established in 1998, is a Tokyo-based venture capital firm that invests in technology-focused startups globally, from seed to pre-IPO stages. With a track record of 300+ investments, 25 IPOs, and 61 M&As, the firm provides hands-on support to its portfolio companies. Global Brain manages both independent and corporate venture capital funds, partnering with tier 1 public companies across various industries.

Lockheed Martin Ventures, established in 2014, is a venture capital arm of Lockheed Martin Corporation. It focuses on investing in early-stage companies specializing in advanced technologies such as autonomous systems, cybersecurity, space technologies, and artificial intelligence.

work with private equity and venture capital fund managers, investment advisors and business entities from around the world.

Established in 1999, Innovation Works is a prominent investor in Southwestern Pennsylvania's technology sector. It provides capital and resources to early-stage companies with high growth potential and significant regional impact, particularly focusing on robotics, AI, medical devices, retail technologies, and enterprise software.

Tiger Global Management is a New York based investment firm that manages public and private market strategies to pursue technology-driven growth opportunities worldwide. Founded in 2001 by Charles (Chase) Coleman, the firm invests in leading global companies across various industries, with a particular emphasis on technology-enabled growth. In public markets it employs long/short and growth strategies, while in private markets it targets opportunities from early to late stage. The firm operates globally, including the United States, China, India, Latin America, and Eastern Europe, and works with portfolio companies across their lifecycle to drive long-term value.

Prosperity7 Ventures is the corporate venture capital arm of Aramco, based in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. It invests in early and growth-stage startups across a broad range of technologies and industries, pursuing long-term, globally scalable impact. The portfolio spans geo-energy, enterprise technology, fintech and financial services, industrial technology, artificial intelligence, robotics, medical and biotechnology, mobility, cybersecurity, e-commerce, cloud computing, and blockchain, as well as software-as-a-service and other B2B/B2C sectors. The firm seeks opportunities with potential for international expansion and strategic value for Aramco’s ecosystem, supporting innovation through long-horizon investments.

Established in 2002 through the merger of three subsidiaries, Mizuho Capital is a Tokyo-based venture capital firm affiliated with Mizuho Bank. With approximately ¥50 billion JPY under management, it focuses on investments in information technology and biotechnology sectors.

Fortune Capital, established in 2000, is a Shenzhen-based venture capital firm. It focuses on investing in leading companies across four key sectors: Technology, Media & Telecommunications (TMT), Consumer Goods/Services, Modern Agriculture, and Clean Tech. The firm is known for its high performance and has received several industry recognitions. Apart from providing capital, Fortune Capital offers personalized value-added services to its investee companies.

Hillhouse Investment Group, established in 2005 and headquartered in Hong Kong, is a prominent global investment management firm that focuses on private equity. The firm engages in long-term investments across various sectors, including healthcare, business services, consumer goods, industrials, and energy transition. Hillhouse partners with exceptional entrepreneurs to foster sustainable value creation within quality companies. In addition to private equity, the firm also participates in public equity, real estate, and private credit, managing capital on behalf of global institutions such as non-profit foundations, endowments, and pension funds.

Google.org is a philanthropic arm of Google, a multinational technology company. It funds and supports nonprofits globally, providing them with funding, tools, and volunteers. Google.org has committed approximately $100 million annually to these efforts, aiming to extend the reach of innovative nonprofits and create lasting global impact.

Mirai Creation Fund, established in November 2015 and managed by SPARX Group, is a venture capital firm based in Tokyo, Japan. The Fund specializes in investing in private start-ups that leverage advanced technologies and innovative business models across various sectors. Initially focused on intelligent technologies, robotics, and hydrogen economy solutions, the Fund expanded its investment scope in 2018 to include electrification and new materials. With backing from prominent entities such as Toyota Motor Corporation and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, Mirai Creation Fund has built a robust portfolio by supporting promising companies both in Japan and internationally, while emphasizing sustainability and carbon neutrality.

Pioneer Fund is a San Francisco-based venture capital firm founded in 2017 that makes early-stage investments across a wide range of sectors, including consumer products and services, financial services, information technology, advanced manufacturing, blockchain, life sciences, gaming, artificial intelligence and machine learning, construction technology, education technology, fintech, agriculture technology, advertising technology, augmented reality, autonomous vehicles, legal technology, oncology, pet technology, real estate technology, ride-hailing, SaaS and supply chain technology. The firm benefits from a network of more than 420 Y Combinator alumni, enabling it to identify and support YC-backed startups.

Established in 1990, KB Investment is a prominent South Korean venture capital firm with over USD 2.6 billion in assets under management as of December 2023. It is a subsidiary of KB Financial Group, Korea's leading financial group. KB Investment specializes in supporting early-stage and growth-oriented companies across various sectors, including consumer products, healthcare, information technology, life sciences, and clean tech, primarily in the United States, Southeast Asia, and Israel.

Founded in 1998, Tencent is a leading global technology company based in China. It operates the world's largest game publishing business and owns WeChat, one of the most widely used messaging apps globally with over 1 billion users. The company offers a range of services including social networking, gaming, fintech, cloud computing, online advertising, and digital content.